BY SUMMER SALAMA

In our generation, we have so much access to technology that it only takes a touch of a button to display our talents publicly, which allows an increasingly large number of people to gain fame for their musical talents.

If someone were to create a social media page that becomes a hit, it can potentially lead them to success. For instance, people can make an Instagram page and add their information such as personal contact information, a personal biography, and categorize themselves as a public figure of any kind and consistently stay updated through posting covers of other hit songs, songs of their own, or remixes. Though it can take a lot of time to get recognized, with dedication, anything is possible.

A big part of becoming known is publicizing yourself and what you are capable of. Many people begin with a base that consists of family and friends. Then, from there, a name spreads and becomes viral. Instagram is not the only platform where someone can become popular; YouTube, Twitter, and many other social media platforms can provide a gateway to fame. YouTube, in particular, is a place that generates many new ‘stars,’ since it is a huge social media platform that billions of people use to watch covers, entertainment, comedy, how to’s,  and so much more. People can make a YouTube page with not just covers but other entertaining videos of their own that will help gather more subscribers. Those who succeed and create a fan base are sometimes noticed by producers and companies who choose to represent them and help get them auditions for other productions.

It is tough to become a “singer” because so many people take advantage of social media. It becomes a competition for fame. Usually, people become famous if there is a new app that hasn’t become well-known yet and the original users use it to for fun before unexpectedly becoming popular. When Vine came out, many people used it to post six second covers and even after the death of Vine, the same videos are still big hits. Shawn Mendes was one of these original Vine users, currently with 36.4 million followers on Instagram and an even larger fan base. Sometimes, only selective people become popular on account of outward appearances because many people are judgmental due to social media and the depiction of people and their ‘best selves.’ It is tough to publicly post yourself on social media for fear of receiving hatred. People who decide to put themselves out into the world sometimes wind up giving up because of haters.

Not only is social media a big part of trying to become a popular singer, people also present their talent on television shows and compete against others. In that scenario, even if they don’t win, they still get their couple of minutes of publicity which bring in viewers and followers that can morph into a fan base.

Literally, one click of a button from a good amount of strangers can make a person popular, but it’s also a sense unity that supports that one person, especially if the singer tries to interact with others or their “fans,” they are able to maintain a good relationship. The one thing that breaks a singer’s fame is becoming busy and not being able to stay active on social media because it interferes with the audience’s expectations. There’s also hatred, which can hurt someone to the point where they give up and feel as though they are not good enough. Becoming a star on the internet is definitely a big commitment, but if these people continue and they have the talent and time, it’s not impossible.